Well since we have implemented the no affection program with Max we have noticed a considerable decrease in stealing. In fact we've gone days without a newspaper, tissue or towel being stolen from tables or radiators. The only time Max gets attention is after he does a 10 second down stay for his food, we're doing this ten times a day, splitting his food into ten portions.

We are also trying some reverse psychology on him, getting him to 'hold' toys when he brings them back and wont give them up.

Keep up the good work MAX & BANGER:d
I think we are all routing for you:)
karl

I'm proud of you!!! Good job to Max too.

Butter

Sorry if I misunderstand what you are saying here but do you mean that the only time you make a fuss of Max at all during the day is after he's done his down stay for food - 10 times a day ? (I'm not intending this as a criticism) I really admire your willpower and your dedication in finding time to feed him 10 times during the day ! I only hope Max understands how lucky he is to have you. Hope this approach continues to work.
Are you still keeping him on a long line or have you stopped this as I remember you saying he was beginning to chew it and guard it.

Yes I mean we only fuss him after a 10 second down stay before food. It's difficult because he has so many tricks in his arsenal to look cute like putting a paw up etc. but you have to be strong for his sake. We take turns in feeding Max during the day. :D Our behaviourist told us the Max is very manipulative - and we have noticed this. He hasn't got a favourite toy - his favourite object is one that gets our attention or at least was until we started the program - now we just have to keep it up and move on to week/stage 2. :d

Oh Banger,
I'm laughing so hard that it's bringing tears & I hope you don't take this the wrong way.... But I told you so!!!!! that Max was a very smart and manipulative dog somewhere when you started posting and asking for help. :D :D I think there was quite a few of us that pointed that out to you. That dog knew he had you well trained, but even then, he wasn't very happy about it.

Seriously though, it sounds as if you have some consistency going on that everyone (you & him) need and it's working. Good luck..... but thanks for the laughs :D :D :D
toodles

Well done Banger :) think you will have to pass all your tips onto me Zac still walking like a crab
I just cannot get him to walk straight :O even put him on a choke chain makes no difference .

Ten times a day feeding him 3 is enough for me .......

Ok were nearly a week into the program and there is a glimmer of hope. Max is on another planet at the moment :d - we dont even speak to him unless its to give him a command - which my mum finds particularly hard as she like to waffle to him. But its all about getting alpha status. We have an open plan dining and living room and Max is spending most of his time in the dining room away from us presumably in a huff. Although I was asleep this afternoon on the sofa and woke up to see two little eyes looking at me and some great big huge teeth on my ankle :rolleyes: But after a correction he disappeared into the kitchen to sniff the cracks in the biscuit cupboards.

Its really tough not being able to just pat/cuddle Max and stuff - but this is what we have to give up if he is going to listen to us and not do just as he likes.

Hi Banger :-) I wouldn't worry too much about Max being in a 'huff' he's just taking time out to rethink his situation and come to terms with it - I'd say it's a good sign :-)

Hi! Banger
It must be so hard to ignore him he is so lucky to have you:)
the perseverance you are putting into his training is wonderfull
ps: sent you an e-mail hope it cheers you up when you so want to make a fuss of him

Hi Climber - never got your email ?